Cigar patch humidifier, repair kit box, and method of repair

ABSTRACT

A method of repairing cigars and the storing and humidification of pre-coated adhesive backed cigar patches for sealing damaged cigars packaged in separate zip-lock bags stored in a small box with a Spanish cedar bottom insert having an optional humidifier compartment containing wet paper wads or wet Spanish cedar chips. The method of cigar repair includes applying vegetable glue to one or both sides of a wrapper leaf and allowing the glue to dry, cutting desired sizes and shapes form the dried leaf, selecting a patch and wetting it, and applying the wet patch to the damaged cigar and allowing it to dry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to humidors and, more specifically, to a kit for storing small cigar patches for different cigar brands in a small humidified box, and a method of creating and using cigar patches.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The related art describes many humidors, but none discloses the storing and humidification of pre-coated adhesive backed cigar patches for sealing damaged cigars packaged in separate zip-lock bags stored in a small pocket-sized box with a Spanish cedar bottom insert, and having a humidifier compartment containing water wet paper wads or wet Spanish cedar chips Optionally, the humidifier compartment can be eliminated. The related art does not teach a specific methodology of cigar repair, including creating and using cigar patches as will become apparent below.

[0005] The related art will be discussed in the order of perceived relevance to the present invention.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,443 issued on Dec. 26, 2000, for Donald G. Mitchell et al. describes a new tobacco wrapping paper for allowing cigar smokers to roll their own cigars. Each of a plurality of tobacco sheets has a layer of adhesive, i.e., gum-like, along a long side. A rectangular plastic package with a zip lock closure is supplied for containing a plurality of tobacco sheets. The package of tobacco sheets is distinguishable for being limited to large tobacco sheets having an adhesive only on one long edge. There is no suggestion for repairing damaged cigars.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,175 issued on Apr. 25, 2000, for Carmen A. D'Angelo describes a method for treating a formed tobacco product/smoking article comprising a two-phase process. The first phase involves exposing the cigar to aromatic extracts by introducing the aromatic vapor inside the cigar with a cedar filament moistened with the aromatic extract. The second six-week long phase involves immersing the cigar in a damp paste containing ground spices, flavored coffee, aromatic extracts, and flavored alcohol. A kit containing the various additives, a humidor, measuring devices, and an instruction booklet is described. The kit is distinguishable for its numerous additives and utensils, but lacking the inclusion of cigar patches.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,113 issued on May 30, 2000, for John J. Schmaling et al. describes a portable humidor for storing cigars having a cedar cigar storage housing consisting of a lower housing and a lid having a zippered closure. The lid contains a corrugated foam plastic layer and a humidistat or a hygrometer. The humidor is distinguishable for lacking cigar patches.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,187 issued on Feb. 22, 2000, for James P. Siepmann describes a humidifier for use in cigar humidors comprising a compartment containing water open to the adjoining larger compartment containing absorbent phenol-based foam bodies under a slotted cover. The humidifier is distinguishable for requiring a supply of water and plastic foamed bodies.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,903 issued on Dec. 28, 1999, for Henry S. Milone describes a multiple cigar humidor storing cigars upright in a rack above a humidifying drawer containing a water absorbent material. The humidor is distinguishable for lacking tobacco patches and requiring an unidentified water absorbent material.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,773 issued on Aug. 10, 1999, for Joseph C. Ferrell describes a humidifier device comprising a lidded box containing a plurality of rectangular housings, wherein each housing having a slotted top, a distilled water containing absorbent, and a magnetic bottom to attach to magnets on the bottom of the box. The device is distinguishable for lacking tobacco patches and requiring magnetic attachment of the housings to the bottom of the box.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,247 issued on Sep. 8, 1998, for Jeremy S. Holmes et al. describes a portable humidor comprising a humidifier controlled by a hygrometer in the cover and a tray for carrying cigars in the base of the device. The device is distinguishable for requiring a hygrometer and lacking cigar patches.

[0013] U.S. Design Pat. No. 416,105 issued on Nov. 2, 1999, for Jerry Garrison et al. describes an ornamental cigar humidor comprising a rectangular box having a hinged shelf containing a small box on the inner portion of the hinged lid. As best understood, the device is distinguishable for lacking cigar patches.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,029 issued on Sep. 12, 2000, for Victor Krawec describes an atmospheric control system for a cigar humidor comprising a box housing having a storage compartment and an atmospheric control system for controlling the temperature and humidity. A perforated Spanish cedar board is elevated from the baseboard in the storage compartment. The atmospheric control system includes a power supply, a microcontroller, a humidity and temperature sensor which sends readings to the microcontroller, a vaporizer for producing humidity, and a thermoelectric module for cooling and heating. The humidor is distinguishable for requiring atmospheric control within and for lacking tobacco patches.

[0015] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a method of repairing cigars with a humidified kit solving the aforementioned problems of cracks, beetle holes, and the like defects in the body of a cigar is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention is directed to a pocket-sized boxed kit for repairing cigars and the storing and humidification of packaged pre-coated adhesive backed cigar wrapper patches by brand name for sealing damaged cigars which may have cracks, beetle holes and the like. The adhesive is a safe vegetable or seaweed based glue. Each package can have 3 to 5 cigar wrapper patches of tobacco stored in separate zip-lock bags according to the brand. The rectangular box has a hinged cover and a Spanish cedar bottom insert to maintain a pleasant odor. The box has an optional humidifier compartment on one side containing wet paper wads or wet Spanish cedar chips. The methodology of cigar patch creation and repair includes the steps of: applying premixed vegetable glue to one or both sides of a cigar wrapper leaf, using a brush or a spray bottle; laying the wrapper on a flat surface and allowing the glue to dry, for about one to two hours; cutting desired patch sizes and shapes using a Cuban Chaveta knife or a cutting punch; selecting the patch needed to repair a damaged cigar; and wetting the patch and applying the same to the damaged area of the cigar.

[0017] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a pocket-sized humidifier box containing pre-packaged cigar wrapper patches of tobacco leaves with vegetable glued sides.

[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide a method of creating a cigar repair patch including applying a vegetable glue to one or both sides of a cigar wrapper leaf, allowing the glue to dry, and then cutting desired size and shape patches from the repair leaf.

[0019] It is another object of the invention to provide a pocket-sized box having a humidifier compartment containing wet paper wads or wet Spanish cedar chips.

[0020] It is a further object of the invention to provide a pocket-sized box having pre-packaged cigar wrapper patches contained in zip-lock bags identified according to brand name.

[0021] Still another object of the invention is to provide a pocket-sized box having a floor insert of Spanish cedar.

[0022] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0023] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a cigar smoker smoking a repaired cigar with a kit box carried in his pocket according to the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an open kit box illustrating the wrapper leaf packages by brands lying on a Spanish cedar bottom and the humidifier compartment partially broken away to reveal its content.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the method of the invention, showing the steps of preparing and applying the cigar repair patch.

[0027] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] The present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein a cigar repair kit 10 enabling a cigar smoker 12 to mend holes and the like in the sides of a wrapped cigar 14 by utilizing prepackaged adhesive-coated brand name patches 16 carried in a small humidified box 18 which can be carried in a shirt (or pants) pocket 20. The adhesive is a vegetable based composition or mucilage.

[0029]FIG. 2 illustrates the small humidified box 18 of the kit 10 for repairing cigars 14 having damaged wrappers due to beetle made holes, cracks, unraveling and the like problems. The box 18 is preferably a rectangular box having a cover 22 with hinges 24 and a closure latch 26. An optional humidifier compartment 28 is contained on one side inside the box 18 having parallel slots 30 on top in a hinged cover 32. Pieces of wet paper wads or wet Spanish cedar chips 34 can be contained in the humidifier compartment 28 to prevent drying out of the box 28. The floor insert 36 is made of Spanish cedar to continually diffuse an aromatic odor into the interior. An assortment of packaged brand name cigar wrapper patches 16 are stored in the box according to the preferred brand of the cigar smoker identified in ziplock bags 38.

[0030] The cigar smoker 12 can now confidently purchase and carry expensive cigars 14 with the knowledge that any imperfections in the wrapped cigar surface can be readily covered to eliminate leakage of smoke from other than the tip. The advantage of having a humidifier compartment 28 is to prevent the drying out of the cigar patches 16. Another advantage lies in the use of a vegetable or seaweed based adhesive on one surface of each patch which is harmless to wet with the tongue for application on the defective cigar 14. A most important advantage lies in the knowledge that the patch 16 and the cigar 14 have the same composition, because cigar smokers 12 can detect differences while smoking.

[0031]FIG. 3 sets forth the method steps of the invention. The method of repairing cigars which have damaged wrappers includes the essential steps of, first, applying premixed vegetable glue to one or both sides of a cigar wrapper leaf, shown at 100, using a brush or a spray bottle, and second, laying the wrapper on a flat surface and allowing the glue to dry, illustrated at 102, ordinarily from about one to two hours.

[0032] Thereafter, one may cut desired patch sizes and shapes from the now dry leaf, as shown at 104. A Cuban Chaveta knife or a cutting punch can be used, for example. Then one selects the patch needed to repair a damaged cigar. Finally, one wets the patch and applies it to the damaged area of the cigar. These steps are seen at 106 and 108.

[0033] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A kit for repairing cigars having damaged wrappers comprising: a rectangular box having a hinged and latchable cover; said box having a floor insert made of Spanish cedar; and an assortment of packaged brand name cigar wrapper patches having an adhesive coating on one side of each patch.
 2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the assortment of packaged brand name cigar wrapper patches are stored in moisture-tight bags according to the brand.
 3. The kit according to claim 1, wherein a humidifier compartment having a slotted hinged cover is contained on one side inside the box.
 4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein the humidifier compartment contains wet material selected from the group consisting of paper wads and Spanish cedar chips.
 5. The kit according to claim 4, wherein the wet material is paper wads.
 6. The kit according to claim 4, wherein the wet material is Spanish cedar chips.
 7. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the kit has a pocket fitting size.
 8. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive coating on each patch is selected from the group consisting of a vegetable based glue and seaweed based mucilage.
 9. The kit according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive coating on each patch is a vegetable based glue.
 10. The kit according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive coating on each patch is a seaweed based mucilage.
 11. A method of repairing cigars with damaged wrappers comprising the steps of: applying premixed vegetable glue to one or both sides of a cigar wrapper leaf, using a brush or a spray bottle; laying the wrapper on a flat surface and allowing the glue to dry; cutting desired patch sizes and shapes; selecting the patch needed to repair a damaged cigar; and wetting the patch and applying the same to the damaged area of the cigar.
 12. The method of repairing cigar wrappers according to claim 11, wherein in the step of laying the wrapper on a flat surface further, the glue is allowed to dry for about one to two hours.
 13. The method of repairing cigar wrappers according to claim 11, wherein the cutting desired patch sizes and shapes step further comprises the use of a Cuban Chaveta knife.
 14. The method of repairing cigar wrappers according to claim 11, wherein the cutting desired patch sizes and shapes step further comprises the use of a cutting punch. 